Apple and BlackBerry leave their positions clear that encryption is more necessary than ever

Governments in developed countries still brandishing the argument of the fight against terrorism when to raise the debate on encryption. For those governing the protection of communications with such systems merely endanger citizens, as it impedes the work of the intelligence agencies in analyzing communications for possible contacts between terrorists.

But large technology no longer stands against that perception. The last to comment on it have been Apple and BlackBerry; precisely wield encryption as vital to protect customer privacy.

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Less is not more privacy security

The privacy debate and its impact on the security of citizens are increasingly common: the terrorist attacks of Paris-in which encrypted communications are not used by all indices- again did ring alarm bells for the security from various countries who demanded greater control of communications.

And we explained weeks ago and are good to remember: encryption is a tool, nothing less, and that precisely protects the privacy of users. The response of the leading companies in the technology segment was clear from the leaks of the NSA met.

All flatly they rejected accusations that the government had access to their servers and their services. In fact, these concerns did they all take an attitude even stronger regarding the protection of its members. Since then we have not done more to see efforts to protect the privacy of users especially when it relates to mobile devices.

Apple against the reforms of the United Kingdom

In the UK was approved recently the Investigatory Powers Bill, a reform that forces Internet providers (ISP) to keep track of the sites their customers visit for up to 12 months, which complemented the proposal prohibit encryption end to end various messaging systems.

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, signed an official statement to the British government in stating that this new reform would weaken the security of “the personal data of millions of law-abiding citizens.” In the UK they want to make companies sitúen hind which only they can access those encrypted communications if necessary doors, but Apple does not agree with this view:

The creation of backdoors and interception capabilities would weaken protections developed in Apple products and endanger our customers. A key under the mat placed not only be available there for the good guys.

In BlackBerry privacy it is crucial

The head of BlackBerry, John Chen, also recently supported the defense of encryption. In an article by him on the official BlackBerry Blog this management indicated that while accepting work with the government on research that respect the bounds of legality and ethics, but clarified that:

It is also true that companies must reject attempts by federal agencies to cross the line. BlackBerry has refused to put backdoors into their products and software. We have never allowed the government to access our servers, and we never will. We have taken the decision to leave national markets where judicial authorities demanded access that would abuse the privacy of law-abiding citizens.

Cook both to Chen the use of encryption in communications is vital, but are not the only ones complaining. In the BBC indicate that other large technology companies like Facebook, Google, Yahoo or Twitter have joined the criticism, and although so far no details are known, the British Parliament will in due course. The debate continues.